Tech downs Brainerd girls

ST. CLOUD -- Maria Swanson and Megan Arns each had 12 points to lead the Brainerd Warriors girls' basketball team, but a slow start was the deciding factor in a 58-48 Central Lakes Conference loss to Class 4A's fifth-ranked St. Cloud Tech.

"At half time we were down 42-13," said Warrior's coach Carl Hendrickson. "When you're down that much, it's just too far to come back."

The Warriors battled back in the second half out scoring the Tigers 35-13.

"If we had played the first half like the second," said Hendrickson, "Well, it's a different story."

Brainerd 9 4 16 19--48

St. Cloud Tech 21 21 10 17--58

BRAINERD (48)

Julie Austin 7, Bithiah McDermott 2, Breanna Olson 7, Cara Wiltse 6, Maria Swanson 12, Haley Bower 2, Megan Arns 12. Team totals: FG 21-49 (43 percent), FT 3-8 (38 percent). Conference -- 10-6. Overall -- 14-8. Next game: At Moorhead 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

ST. CLOUD TECH (58)

Brittany Johnson 18, Kayla Rengel 6, Megan Foley 6, Kristin Walters 3, Heather Felderman 2, Katie Preston 10, Jessie Preston 14. Team totals: FG 26-48 ( 54 percent), FT 4-9 (44 percent).

3-point baskets -- B- 3 (Austin, Olson, Arns), T- 3 (Johnson 2, Walters).